VehicleVerdict

2010 Audi Q5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2010 Audi Q5 sits mid-pack among Q5 years: 122 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 83, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 41% of all reports (50 of 122), far ahead of fuel system at 31.

122

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Q5 years?

Q5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted313 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 35 complaints2010: 122 complaints2011: 192 complaints2012: 203 complaints2013: 107 complaints2014: 134 complaints2015: 123 complaints2016: 100 complaints2017: 57 complaints2018: 313 complaints2019: 75 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 107 complaints2022: 26 complaints2023: 66 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 83 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Q5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Audi Q5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags5041%
Fuel System3125%
Engine108%
Transmission87%
Electrical System76%
Body & Structure54%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Lighting22%
Other22%
Steering22%
Suspension22%
Brakes11%

Does the 2010 Audi Q5 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V818000Fuel SystemNovember 19, 2018 · 5,987 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.

Consequence

The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.

18V082000AirbagsJanuary 30, 2018 · 162,782 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

16V660000Fuel SystemSeptember 13, 2016 · 143,214 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.

16V078000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2016 · 659,493 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TAKATA RECALL WITH NO FIX, ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE CAR CAN LIGHT ON FIRE THERE IS ALSO NO CURRENT REPAIR. THE DEALER SAID WE ARE SCREWED THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO.MY WIFE GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THE LOANER CAR IF IT WAS OUR CAR THAT IS PLAGUED BY THE RECALL THINGS COULD HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 10, 2016 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL WITH NO FIX, ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE CAR CAN LIGHT ON FIRE THERE IS ALSO NO CURRENT REPAIR. THE DEALER SAID WE ARE SCREWED THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO.MY WIFE GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THE LOANER CAR IF IT WAS OUR CAR THAT IS PLAGUED BY THE RECALL THINGS COULD HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 10, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MISFIRED WHILE DRIVING AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI NYACK (127 NY-59, NYACK, NY 10960, [PHONE]) WHERE THE INTAKE COIL AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED;…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 9, 2019

“THE SUNROOF HAS A LEAKAGE WHICH AS CAUSES DAMAGE TO SUNSCREEN. THE WATER FROM THE SUNROOF HAS LEAKED INTO VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND HAS CAUSED BACK UP CAMERA, PARKING, THE STEREO SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. WATER FROM THE ROOF HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE ENGINE'S BLOWER IT HAS SHORT-CIRCUITED SO THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 25, 2018

“THE SUNROOF HAS A LEAKAGE WHICH AS CAUSES DAMAGE TO SUNSCREEN. THE WATER FROM THE SUNROOF HAS LEAKED INTO VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND HAS CAUSED BACK UP CAMERA, PARKING, THE STEREO SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. WATER FROM THE ROOF HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE ENGINE'S BLOWER IT HAS SHORT-CIRCUITED SO THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 25, 2018

2010 Audi Q5 — common questions

Is the 2010 Audi Q5 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Q5: 122 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 Q5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (50 complaints), fuel system (31 complaints), engine (10 complaints).

Does the 2010 Audi Q5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Audi Q5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q5 years to avoid are 2018, 2012, 2011, 2014. The cleanest record among Q5 years belongs to 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.